Two former Parramatta Eels players are accused of harbouring semi-automatic weapons and possessing more than half-a-million dollars in cash after dramatic arrests in Sydney's Centennial Park yesterday.

Aust, Japan seek to lift defence relations

Defence Minister David Johnston has held talks with his Japanese counterpart on how to deepen the defence relationship.

During his visit to Western Australia, Japanese defence minister Itsunori Onodera visited navy base HMAS Stirling and RAAF Base Pearce to view operations in the search for missing Malaysian flight MH370.

Senator Johnston said Japan contributed two Orion maritime surveillance aircraft to the search, as well as a Coast Guard Gulfstream Jet and support personnel.

"Working alongside Japan during the search had demonstrated the ability of the two defence forces to operate together, and provided an opportunity to explore more ways in which we might cooperate," he said in a statement.

Senator Johnston expects further talks on improving cooperation at the June Defence and Foreign Ministers' Dialogue.

During Prime Minister Tony Abbott's visit to Japan earlier this month he and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced Australia and Japan would enhance practical defence cooperation.